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Aerobiology Laboratory Associates Storefront
Aerobiology Laboratory Associates was established in 1997 to meet the specific needs of indoor air quality specialists and industrial hygienists by providing responsive and cost effective environmental microbiology laboratory services. Aerobiology Laboratory's focus has remained constant: dedication to the highest quality scientific standards and a passion for our clients. It is this level of commitment that has gained Aerobiology the reputation of being a leader among indoor air quality laboratories. At Aerobiology Laboratory Associates, our success is measured by the success of our customers; therefore, we are dedicated to quality service, quick and accurate delivery of results, and consultative support by experienced experts. On October 21, 2002, Aerobiology announced that it had been granted accreditation by the American Industrial Hygiene Association’s (AIHA) EMLAP for Environmental Microbiology. The Environmental Microbiology Laboratory Accreditation Program (EMLAP) is specifically for labs identifying microorganisms commonly detected in air, fluids and bulk samples during indoor air quality studies. As important as accreditation, is the credentials of the laboratory staff. The Aerobiology staff includes degreed and advanced degreed Environmental Microbiologists each having over twenty years of clinical and environmental laboratory analytical experience in microbiology and certification by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP).
Pre-paid specialsPrepaid Spore Trap Analysis (Test Code 1054) - $29.50 per sample
Prepaid Wipe/Tape, Direct Microscopic Exam (Test Code 1051) - $26.00 per sample
Prepaid Bulk, Direct Microscopic Exam (Test Code 1050) - $26.00 per sample Offer Details| Discount | $29.50 Per Analysis |
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Offer Terms & RestrictionsInstructions for Prepays:
Please contact Edith Winbush, Aerobiology Accounting Department 877-648-9150 in order to set up your account. | |
Farmer's LungOf the adults disabled by respiratory illness, such as pneumonia, bronchitis and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease); farmers account for more than one third. The diagnosis, Farmer’s Lung, is attributed to the community in which it is often seen. Farmer’s lung or to give it a more scientific name, hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), is caused by inhalation of fine dust containing large numbers of mold spores and bacteria, and even though a high percentage of those affected are farmers, this condition can also affect anyone who is exposed to the inoculum, including urban stable workers, compost and landscape workers. When an individual handles moldy hay or moldy grain, compost material, mulch, etc., microscopic spores become airborne and are then inhaled, at a rate of up to 750,000 spores per minute. The causal agents are the spores of heat-loving bacteria called Micropolyspora faeni and Thermoactinomyces vulgaris, and the spores of various fungi. While the symptoms of farmer’s lung are similar to a cold, the illness is actually an allergic reaction in sensitive (atopic) individuals. This hypersensitive reaction is triggered when antigens entering the lungs react with antibodies that circulate in the blood. Normally this reaction is meant to protect the lungs from infection, but sensitive individuals release large numbers of white blood cells (leucocytes) into the lungs to attack the antigens. The white cells release certain chemicals that cause increased blood flow in the lungs. This reaction induces swelling, inflammation and damage to lung tissue, and causes noticeable breathing problems.Farmer’s lung symptoms vary tremendously. At one end of the spectrum there are symptoms associated with a sudden or acute attack, and at the other end of the spectrum are symptoms that cause a slow, progressive or chronic illness. Usually an intense attack starts about 4 to 8 hours after the person breathes in the inoculum. Shortness of breath, dry cough, sudden feeling of illness, fever and chills, rapid breathing and rapid heart beat are the signs of an acute attack. Chronic farmer’s lung develops after several acute attacks over a period of years and is marked by increasing shortness of breath, an occasional mild fever, significant weight loss and lack of energy. The more common form of farmer’s lung is sub-acute and is delineated by coughing, shortness of breath, mild fever and occasional chills, general feeling of malaise, aches and pains in the muscles and joints and loss of appetite and weight. Treatment varies depending upon the type of illness - acute, sub-acute or chronic. Certain medications can provide relief from the allergic reaction during acute attacks, but more serious cases involve bed rest and oxygen therapy to relieve shortness of breath. There is no cure for people who are hypersensitive to the moldy dust and once they become sensitized, they remain so for life. The conditions that lead to farmer’s lung cannot be entirely prevented, but there are two ways of mitigating the problem: (1) steps should be taken to avoid crop spoilage and formation of the bacterial and mold spores that cause the problem; (2) the use of properly fitted respirators with HEPA filters can protect the lungs from the spores and dust that cause the disease. For related information, see Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS). Patricia Cook, Aerobiology Atlanta Lab Manager Farmer’s Lung ........................................................... .............................. 1 Fungal Terminology part 1 ........................................................................ 2 The best of "The Fungi" Recipes .............................................................. 3 AerpTrap - Special Pricing ........................................................................ 4 _____________________________________________________________
Our PeopleThe Virginia Laboratory facility Director, Suzanne S. Blevins, B.S., SM(ASCP) offers over twenty-eight years of microbiology experience and specializes in the comprehensive characterization of bioaerosols, both viable and non-viable. Ms. Blevins provides technical assistance including IAQ testing protocols and investigative techniques for air, surface, bulk, and water matrices for bacteria and fungi. She specializes in non-viable spore trap analysis (Burkard/Air-O-Cell/Allergenco) and direct microscopic examination of contaminated materials. Ms. Blevins manages Aerobiology Laboratory Associates participation in the AIHA EMPAT program. Ms. Blevins is a founding partner and a Principal of Aerobiology Laboratory Associates. Bryce Kendrick, PhD, DSC, FRSC, author of “The Fifth Kingdom”, joins the staff at Aerobiology as Technical Advisor. Dr. Kendrick’s interest range from fungi to birds to coral reefs, but his primary research has been concerned with the systematics, development and ecology of molds. He has produced over 300 publications, including 12 books. Three of the books are University textbooks. Many of Dr. Kendrick’s articles will soon be available. Please check back soon for updates on Dr. Kendrick’s mold training classes. As Technical Advisor, Dr. Kendrick is establishing an internal and ongoing mold training program for Aerobiology’s analytical staff, developing web training programs that will be offered to corporations and individuals, participating in Special Projects such as articles & newsletters and be available to serve as an Expert Witness for Aerobiology’s corporate clients. Aerobiology Laboratory Associates Laboratory Manager, Debra A. Gulick, MT (ASCP), a graduate ofMichigan Technological University, offers over 13 years of Microbiological experience, having served as Senior Analyst and trainer at Aerobiology since 2000.Deb also serves as the QA/QC Coordinator for the Reston Laboratory. She specializes in the analysis of all material types associated with Indoor Air Quality and Environmental Testing to include Non-Viable Spore Trap Analysis, Direct Microscopy, and enumeration and identification of Fungal, Bacterial, and Legionella Cultures Kirk Hartwein, BS, the St. Louis Lab Manager, is a graduate from Southwest Missouri State University. His responsibilities have included managing the daily operations of a full service microbiology laboratory serving the pharmaceutical, medical, food service, academia and environmental industries. His specialties include microbial identifications, contamination consulting, bioremediation studies, HACCP, food quality studies and Product Validation. Patricia A. Cook, B.S serves as Lab Manager for Aerobiology’s Atlanta AIHA EMLAP Accredited Laboratory. Pattie holds double Bachelor of Science Degrees in Biology with a concentration in Botany and Applied Science in Agriculture with concentration in Agronomy. She is an experienced analyst utilizing laboratory techniques such as aseptic techniques, bacterial and fungal identification, plant and plant pathogen (fungal and bacterial) identifications, maintaining and identifying cell cultures for growth, agar preparation and sterilization. Her proficiencies include the use of ultra microtome, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, fluorescent microscopy, ph meter, cell culture, DNA-fingerprinting, gel and column chromatography.
| Atlanta, GA |
4501 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite A1190
Atlanta, GA 30339 |
| Tel: 770-947-2828 |
| Fax: 770-947-2938 |
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